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Fresh Shrimp Cocktail Recipe – Easy High Protein Snack with Spicy Sauce

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This classic shrimp cocktail features perfectly poached, chilled shrimp served with a bold, spicy homemade cocktail sauce. It’s a quick, high-protein snack or elegant appetizer that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. If shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, do so first. Leave tails on for presentation if desired.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, kosher salt, lemon slices, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add shrimp to boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and curl. Do not overcook.
  4. Transfer cooked shrimp with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water. Let cool for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. Arrange shrimp on a platter or in cocktail glasses. Serve with sauce in a bowl for dipping or drizzle lightly over shrimp.
  7. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp—remove as soon as they turn pink and curl. Chill shrimp in ice water for best texture. Adjust sauce heat to taste. Can be made ahead and kept chilled. For gluten-free, check Worcestershire and hot sauce labels. Variations include roasting shrimp, adding herbs, or swapping lemon for lime.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, high protein snack, spicy sauce, gluten-free, dairy-free, appetizer, seafood, party food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fresh-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-easy-high-protein-snack-with-spicy-sauce/